Quick Answers
Most 10 month old babies need around 24-32 ounces of formula per day, divided into 4-6 feedings. This equals about 6-8 ounces per feeding. The number of feedings and ounces per feeding depends on the baby’s individual needs. Speak to your pediatrician about how much and how often your 10 month old should have formula.
How Many Ounces of Formula Does a 10 Month Old Need Per Day?
At 10 months old, babies typically need between 24-32 ounces of formula per day. This range accounts for differences in appetite and size among babies this age. Here are some general guidelines:
- 24-28 ounces per day is common for breastfed babies getting 1-2 formula feedings.
- 28-32 ounces per day is common for formula-fed babies or those getting more than 2 formula feedings.
These are just averages – your pediatrician can advise you on the right amount of formula for your individual 10 month old based on their weight, growth trends, and eating habits.
Factors That Affect Formula Needs
Several factors play a role in determining how much formula a 10 month old needs each day:
- Weight and growth: Heavier babies or those going through growth spurts often need more ounces of formula than average.
- Activity level: Active babies burn more calories and may need more formula.
- Solid foods: Intake of solid foods impacts formula needs. Babies eating more solids may need less formula.
- Metabolism: Babies have varying metabolic rates that affect how much formula they require.
- Health conditions: Medical conditions like reflux may increase formula needs.
Due to these individual differences, there is no one-size-fits-all amount of formula for 10 month olds. Work with your pediatrician to determine the right daily ounce target for your baby.
How Many Feedings of Formula Does a 10 Month Old Need?
In addition to the total daily amount of formula, you also have to consider feedings frequency for your 10 month old. Here are some guidelines:
- 4-5 feedings per day is common if baby is eating solid foods 3 meals per day.
- 5-6 feedings per day is common if baby is just starting to eat solid foods once or twice per day.
The number of formula feedings typically decreases around this age as solid foods start to make up a larger part of baby’s nutrition. However, every baby is different. Feed on demand following your baby’s hunger cues, rather than a strict schedule.
Factors That Impact Number of Feedings
Some key factors determine how many times your 10 month old needs bottles or formula each day:
- Solid food intake: The more solids baby eats, the less formula they need.
- Appetite: Babies with heartier appetites may need more feedings.
- Sleep patterns: Formula intake may increase or decrease depending on naps.
- Reflux issues: Smaller, more frequent feedings may be needed.
- Childcare: Feedings may need to align with daycare schedules.
Keep an eye on your baby’s hunger cues rather than sticking to a rigid feeding schedule. More or less frequent feedings may be appropriate based on your 10 month old’s needs.
How Much Formula Should a 10 Month Old Eat Per Feeding?
In addition to the total daily amount of formula and number of feedings, pay attention to how much formula your baby takes at each feeding. Here are some pointers:
- 6-8 ounces per feeding is typical at this age.
- Larger babies may take 8-10 ounces at a time.
- Smaller or easily distracted babies may top out around 4-5 ounces.
Make sure not to force baby to finish a bottle – stop when they show signs of fullness like slowing down sucking or turning away. They know how much they need!
Factors That Influence Ounces Per Feeding
Some key factors impact how many ounces your 10 month old may consume at each formula feeding:
- Appetite: Babies with bigger appetites tend to eat more per feeding.
- Rate of growth: Fast-growing babies need more ounces at each feeding.
- Time of day: Nighttime feedings are often larger than daytime.
- Activity level: More active babies burn more calories and may need more per feeding.
- Self-feeding skills: Babies starting to self-feed may eat less from a bottle.
Pay attention to hunger and fullness signals rather than ounce counts to know how much your baby needs per feeding.
How to Tell if Your 10 Month Old is Eating Enough Formula
Wondering if your 10 month old is getting adequate nutrition from formula? Look for these signs:
- Steady weight gain and growth per pediatrician’s guidelines
- 6-8 wet diapers per day
- Regular dirty diapers if not potty trained
- Reaching developmental milestones
- Good energy levels and mood
- Strong immune system
Consult your pediatrician right away if you notice signs like lack of weight gain, dehydration, lethargy, or failure to meet milestones. Your doctor can help assess nutritional status.
Increase Formula If Your 10 Month Old:
- Isn’t gaining weight appropriately
- Seems excessively hungry between feedings
- Has fewer wet/dirty diapers than normal
- Is going through a growth spurt
- Is especially active and burning more calories
Decrease Formula If Your 10 Month Old:
- Is gaining weight rapidly or becoming overweight
- Is spitting up often or seems to overfeed
- Is eating more solid foods and less interested in formula
- Has decreased energy needs due to less activity or illness
Minor formula adjustments may be needed but consult your pediatrician before making significant changes.
Transitioning from Formula to Milk
Around 10-12 months, many parents start thinking about transitioning from formula to cow or toddler milk. Here are some tips for making the switch:
- Wait until 12 months or get pediatrician approval first
- Start with whole milk, not low-fat or skim
- Offer in a cup, not a bottle which can damage teeth
- Mix formula and milk at first, gradually increasing milk ratio
- Aim for 16-24 ounces of whole milk per day in place of formula
- Supplement with iron if needed
The transition is easier if you do it gradually over a few weeks or more. Let your child set the pace and don’t force weaning before they are developmentally ready.
Signs Your Baby is Ready to Wean from Formula
- Can drink well from an open cup
- Has doubled birth weight
- Eats a variety of solid foods each day
- Is disinterested in formula or eats less than before
- Is 12 months or older
Talk to your pediatrician if you are considering weaning before 12 months or if your baby doesn’t seem interested in replacing formula with milk by 13-15 months.
Sample Feeding Schedules for a 10 Month Old
While it’s best to feed on demand, some parents find a sample schedule helpful. Here are two options that provide 25-30 oz formula over 4-5 feedings:
Sample Schedule for 10 Month Old Eating 3 Solid Meals Per Day
| Time | Feeding |
|---|---|
| 7 AM | 8 oz formula |
| 9:30 AM | Breakfast – solids |
| 11:30 AM | 6-8 oz formula |
| 1 PM | Lunch – solids |
| 3:30 PM | 6-8 oz formula |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner – solids |
| 7 PM | 6-8 oz formula |
Sample Schedule for 10 Month Old Eating 1-2 Solid Meals Per Day
| Time | Feeding |
|---|---|
| 7 AM | 6-8 oz formula |
| 9:30 AM | Breakfast – solids |
| 11 AM | 6-8 oz formula |
| 1:30 PM | 6-8 oz formula |
| 4 PM | 6-8 oz formula |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner – solids |
| 7:30 PM | 6-8 oz formula |
| 10 PM | 6-8 oz formula |
Keep in mind your baby’s needs may vary from these samples. Use your pediatrician’s recommended intake and your baby’s hunger cues to guide feedings.
FAQs About 10 Month Old Formula Needs
How do I know if my baby is eating enough?
Signs your 10 month old is eating enough formula include: steady weight gain, 6-8 wet diapers daily, regular dirty diapers if not potty trained, good energy, meeting milestones, strong immune system. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
Is it OK to only give formula and no solids some days?
It’s fine if your 10 month old only has formula some days, as long as they are eating solids other days. Babies this age are still getting primary nutrition from formula. But aim to introduce more solid meals over the coming months.
What if my baby is obsessed with solids and refusing formula?
It’s common for 10 month olds to become infatuated with solid foods. Keep offering formula regularly. Distracting baby or bottle-feeding while they are sleepy may help. Consult your pediatrician if refusal persists despite efforts.
Should I night wean my 10 month old?
Night weaning is a gradual process. 10-12 months is a good age range to start dropping night feedings if baby is developmentally ready. Go slowly and make sure daytime intake increases to meet nutritional needs. Some babies aren’t ready until closer to a year.
How do I supplement iron if I wean from formula?
Once your baby starts drinking cow’s milk in place of formula, they’ll need an iron supplement since milk is low in iron. Your pediatrician can recommend a daily iron drop. Offer iron-rich solid foods. Or switch to iron-fortified toddler milk.
Conclusion
10 month old babies typically need 24-32 ounces of formula per day divided into 4-6 feedings. Feed on demand following your baby’s hunger cues, rather than a strict schedule. Monitor wet diapers, weight gain, energy levels, and other signs to ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrition from formula. Consult your pediatrician about formula needs and any concerns about your 10 month old’s nutritional intake.
